Legal status of cocaine

The production, the distribution and the sale of cocaine products is restricted (and illegal in most contexts) in most countries.

Africa

• In Nigeria, it is a crime to be seen with cocaine.
• In South Africa, it is a crime to have cocaine in your possession.

Asia

• In Hong Kong, use and possession of cocaine is illegal unless a license was issued by the Department of Health.
• In India, use and possession of cocaine is illegal with a mandatory 10 year sentence.
• In Pakistan, use and possession of cocaine is illegal.
• In Singapore, possession of more than 30 grams of cocaine results in a mandatory death sentence, but can be issued by the Department of Health.

Middle east

• Saudi Arabia, use and possession of cocaine is punishable by death.

Australia & Oceania

• Australia: Cocaine is a Schedule 8 (controlled) drug permitting some medical use, but is otherwise outlawed.
• New Zealand: Cocaine is a Class A drug. The coca leaf and preparations of cocaine containing no more than 0.1% cocaine base, in such a way that the cocaine cannot be recovered, are both classified as Class C.

Europe

• The United Kingdom: Cocaine is a Class A drug, controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However some medical use is permitted.
• The Netherlands: Cocaine is considered an illegal hard-drug. Possession, production and trade are not allowed as stated in the Opium Law of 1928. Although technically illegal, possession of less than half a gram usually goes unpunished.
• Germany: Possession of cocaine without a medical prescription is illegal. Small amounts for own consumption may go unpunished for first-time or non-regular offenders. This also varies by state. Usually revocation of a driving license will follow up confiscation of any drug except marijuana, since drug users are considered a risk to road traffic.

North America

• Canada: Cocaine is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Canada.
• The United States of America: Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II stimulant under the Controlled Substances Act of the United States.

South America

• Peru and Bolivia: Limited cultivation of coca is legal in Peru and Bolivia, where chewing the leaves and drinking coca tea are considered cultural practices, in particular in the mountainous regions. Processed cocaine is illegal.

• Colombia: In 1994, possession of 1 gram of cocaine was legalized for personal use; however, sale remained illegal, allowing personal production or gifts of cocaine.